6.8
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The Zen Diary
2022·Movie
·1h 52min·
The Zen Diary fingerprint
Calm.
Energy
Calm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension3
- Fast Pace2
- Spectacle2
Heart
Wholesome and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Wholesome7
- Melancholy7
- Family Dynamics7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Satire & Parody3
- Situational Comedy2
World
Everyday modern life and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Direction7
- Acting7
- Character Depth7
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Music Composition7
- Editing6
Energy
NoneCalm and low-key
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Zen Diary is calm and low-intensity. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension3Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace2Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle2Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline1High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence1Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumWholesome and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's wholesome and melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics7Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos6Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Catharsis5Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia5Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Coming of Age4Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor1Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumEveryday modern life and family
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life and family. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Spiritual6Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary5Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting7Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn8Gradual build with payoff.
- Educational7Informative and instructive.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Style
MediumStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality5Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
To eat is to live. To eat is to love, that's why food tastes the best when eaten together.
Tsutomu lives alone in the mountains, writing essays, cooking Zen food with the vegetables he grows and the mushrooms he picks in the hills. His routine is happily disturbed when Machiko, his editor and love interest, occasionally visits. Tsutomu seems content with his daily life. On the other hand, he still hasn't let go of his wife's ashes, although she died 13 years ago.
Zen Buddhist CookingRural Japanese LifeContemplative & PeacefulSeasonal ChangesFamily BondsGrief and RemembranceContemporary RealismSpiritual Reflection
Actors
Crew
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
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Questions about The Zen Diary
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Zen Diary worth watching?
81
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 82/100 (IMDb 6.8). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Zen Diary?
1 h 52 min
The Zen Diary runs 1 h 52 min.
What language is The Zen Diary in?
Japanese
It was made in Japanese. Produced in Japan.
In how many countries can I watch The Zen Diary?
3
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Zen Diary in 3 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.